Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Behavioral Change : An Assessment of Past Research On Energy Use, Transportation and Water Consumption

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Behavioral Change : An Assessment of Past Research On Energy Use, Transportation and Water Consumption

Author:

Doppelt, Bob; Markowitz, Ezra M.; Climate Leadership Initiative

Abstract:

Behavioral changes are certain to be an important component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and combating climate change. However, relatively little research has been done to clarify what is known about the ability to motivate people to change their behavior in a way that reduces GHGs. This report provides a preliminary overview of the existing research on this critical question. It then provides a framework for thinking about how to plan and execute GHG reducing behavioral change interventions.
This is not a comprehensive assessment. Instead, it highlights some of the most readily available relevant research on behavioral change and GHG reductions in three domains: energy use, transportation, and water consumption. Our intent is to offer a clear, simple, basic guide that can serve as a starting point for implementation of behavioral change programs and for further research into the topic.